The Stetson University Jazz Ensemble presents “The Music of Duke Ellington” at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 24, in the Stetson Room, second floor of the Carlton Union Building, located at 131 E. Minnesota Ave., on the DeLand campus.

Directed by Don Waldrop, the Stetson Jazz Ensemble is an 18-piece Big Band. In this concert, they will explore the many facets of the music of jazz great Duke Ellington, considered by many to be America’s greatest composer, bandleader and recording artist, according to the local PBS website. Music by Billy Strayhorn, Ellington’s partner, composer & arranger, will also be featured in this concert. Guest starring in the concert will be jazz vocalist, Linda Cole, bringing her unique style into play with “Satin Doll,” “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” and others. Also appearing with the band will be Stetson soprano, Samone Hicks, who will sing Ellington’s “Creole Love Call.”

The musicians of Stetson Jazz will also take joy in performing other songs such as “Cotton Tail,” “Prelude to a Kiss,” “Chelsea Bridge,” “Rockin’ in Rhythm” and “Take the ‘A’ Train” as well.

Many of the pieces will be heard in the original Ellington arrangements and orchestrations with special attention to the style these pieces were played in at the time of their recordings and performances in the 30′s and 40′s.

They will also feature Ellington songs arranged by contemporary arrangers, illustrating how great music lives on and on – coming back in new treatments, respectful of the original music.

This will be THE jazz concert to hear. Parking is easy, free and close.

General admission is $10; seniors $8; area students $5. Admission is free to the Stetson University community with ID, and concert series card holders. For more information, contact Stetson University’s School of Music at (386) 822-8950, or atwww2.stetson.edu/music.